Personal Lines Property and Casualty Underwriting Supervisor

Portage la Prairie Mutual Insurance Company; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 77,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Portage Mutual Insurance in Edmonton is seeking a Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Supervisor. You will oversee a team of underwriters, ensuring adherence to policies and risk appetite while supporting brokers with expert guidance.

The role requires at least 7 years in personal lines underwriting with supervisory experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead a collaborative team in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in personal lines underwriting with supervisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, practices, and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with underwriters, brokers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee application of underwriting policies and service standards across the team.
• Provide guidance on complex risks and sound underwriting decisions.
• Conduct post‑loss reviews to identify trends and improvements in risk management.
• Develop and maintain strong broker relationships for profitable growth.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding for new team members and coach staff.
• Contribute to strategic underwriting initiatives and market trend analysis.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting principles

Risk analysis

Broker relationships

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or business

CIP, CRM or FCIP designation or working towards

Job description

About Portage Mutual: Where Your Talent Makes a Difference Imagine a workplace where your contributions are not only valued but also directly impact the lives of Canadians. At Portage Mutual Insurance, we’re more than just a trusted national property and casualty insurer—we’re a community of passionate individuals dedicated to serving our policyholders since 1884. Owned by our policyholders, we proudly offer competitive home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products 100% through our broker network across Canada.

Join a company rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and powered by a people-first culture.

Why Portage Mutual?

At Portage Mutual, we believe that our people are our greatest asset.

• Total Rewards: We care about your well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a competitive salary, incentive plan, comprehensive health benefits, a pension plan and generous paid time off, including personal days.
• Career Growth & Development: Propel your career forward with access to diverse learning resources, tuition reimbursement for relevant programs, and bonuses recognizing your achievements in pursuing insurance designations.
• Flexibility: We support work-life integration by offering a flexible environment where you can choose to live wherever you prefer in Canada. Enjoy the freedom to select remote, in-office, and hybrid work arrangements that best suit your lifestyle.
• Inclusivity and Belonging: Be a part of a supportive and diverse team that embraces your unique perspective and empowers you to succeed. We’re dedicated to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, valued and respected.
• Making a Difference: Find purpose in your career by aligning with an organization that shares your values and is committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.

The Opportunity:

Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Supervisor As a Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in leading your underwriting team by: Overseeing underwriting quality and ensuring alignment with Portage Mutual’s risk appetite and service standards. Providing guidance and expertise on complex cases to support sound decision‑making. Fostering team development through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. Building and strengthening relationships with brokers to drive profitable growth. Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and uphold a culture of excellence in underwriting practices. We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative leader who demonstrates strong underwriting expertise, champions team growth, and is committed to delivering outstanding service to our broker partners.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee and ensure the accurate and consistent application of underwriting policies, procedures, and service standards across the team, adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to underwriters on complex or unique risks, ensuring sound underwriting decisions.
• Conduct post‑loss underwriting reviews to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance risk management practices.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of market trends and competitive landscape to inform underwriting strategies.
• Participate in the development and implementation of underwriting guidelines and best practices.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key brokers.
• Communicate underwriting business rules, guidelines, and risk appetite effectively to brokers.
• Collaborate with brokers to develop and maintain a profitable book of business, identifying opportunities for growth and retention.
• Address and resolve broker concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
• Conduct regular check‑ins and performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to support individual and team performance.
• Promote a collaborative and supportive team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem‑solving.
• Champion employee development by creating and implementing individual development plans and provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and access to training opportunities to enhance team capabilities and promote career advancement.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding process for new team members ensuring a comprehensive onboarding experience that equips new hires with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to succeed in their roles.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to improve underwriting processes and outcomes.
• Provide input and recommendations on market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging risks.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in personal lines underwriting or related field, with demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• In-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, practices and regulations, risk analysis, pricing strategies, and product development across key segments such as personal and casualty insurance.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and mentor a team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Deep familiarity with underwriting philosophies, statutory constraints, technical manuals, and rating programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with underwriters, brokers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities, with the ability to identify and address complex underwriting issues.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain professional, long‑term relationships with brokers and internal partners.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of underwriting strategies and initiatives.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and company priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant underwriting systems (e.g., Guidewire), with the ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Skilled at working with internal teams and brokers to deliver excellent service and optimal underwriting outcomes.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating within a team environment.
• Open to change, with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience CIP, CRM or FCIP designation or actively working towards.

Job Details:

• Job Title: Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Supervisor
• Reports To: Personal Lines Property & Casualty Underwriting Manager
• Location: Hybrid - Edmonton
• Salary Range: $76,600 - $95,000

Portage Mutual uses artificial intelligence and automations in its recruitment practices for activities that may include searching for qualified candidates, screening applications, preparing interview questions, recording interviews, drafting transcripts and other administrative tasks. AI is never used for decision making purposes.

Ready to Make an Impact?

We value diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives because the communities we serve are diverse. Rooted in a long-standing commitment to trust, community, and mutual support, Portage Mutual Insurance is proud to foster an inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to collaborate, learn from one another, and grow together. We are looking for individuals who bring both professional expertise and a genuine commitment to supporting their teammates as we continue to protect what matters most for Canadians. If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career with a company that values people, community, and collaboration, we'd love to hear from you!

Portage Mutual Insurance is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to ensure a fair and positive candidate experience.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in Canada.

Any employment offer will be conditional upon the successful completion of applicable pre‑employment screening requirements.

Life at Portage Mutual is built on connection – to our work, the communities we serve, and each other. Our people work among collaborative teams where trust, respect, and support guide how we show up every day. We value shared success, open dialogue, and looking out for one another, creating an environment where employees feel welcomed, included, and proud of the impact they make together. Here, you’re not just joining an organization; you’re becoming part of a community.